07/03/2022
The world of work is changing rapidly. Just as many of today’s jobs, such as SEO analyst, data scientist and social media manager, didn’t even exist twenty years ago, new job roles will emerge as technology continues to revolutionize the workplace. So how can you prepare for this and plan your career accordingly?
Beth Davies, adjunct professor at IE Business School, knows more than most people about career trends. In addition to teaching courses in the Master in Talent Development & Human Resources program, she’s also a former HR senior executive at Tesla, Microsoft, Apple and GAP. In a recent online masterclass on preparing for the jobs of the future, Beth drew on her own experience to address common concerns and answer questions about career goals.
New jobs, new mindset
Just as nobody twenty years ago could have foreseen a career as a podcast producer, we can’t be certain which of our skills will be relevant to the new jobs created by tomorrow’s technological advancements.
However, although we can’t predict the future, we can be open to new trends and ensure we’re prepared to adapt.
This new mindset begins with the realization that what happens in a career is an S-shaped curve: picture a chart where one axis represents time and the other represents impact. When we’re new in a role, our impact is low—we’re still learning. Over time, there’s an upward trend in impact as we gain proficiency. But then, gradually, this impact stabilizes. This can happen for several reasons: perhaps we get bored or complacent, or the job has become automated and our skills are no longer useful.
So, now we need to line up the next curve by thinking about our transferable skills. If we keep doing what we’ve always done, we risk not just stabilizing, but stagnating while the job market overtakes us. As Beth puts it, “the day you think you have it figured out is the day you start falling behind.”
Why linear progression no longer fits modern business
The concept of a so-called “traditional career path” is something most of us know well: a linear progression from first job to more senior positions within the same industry or even the same company. However, this way of thinking comes from an era when jobs were more predictable and organizations more hierarchical.
Rapid developments in technology, resulting in some jobs being eliminated by automation and other jobs emerging, have rendered the old method obsolete.
The skills and knowledge with which we graduate will quickly become outdated unless we acknowledge that the world around us is changing. To stay up-to-date in this fast-paced world, we need to adopt what Beth calls an “evolutionary mindset.”
Real careers are curvy
The concept of the “career curve” was the inspiration for Beth’s successful podcast, in which she interviews people with interesting or unconventional career stories. Indeed, Beth herself has had a “curvy career”, starting out as a lawyer and moving into human resources, as well as working in different industries and sectors.
Many people graduate without knowing what they want to do—and that’s normal! Well-meaning advice about “discovering your passion” fails to take into account the importance of real-world experience. Beth’s advice is to focus on finding the “right next job,” the one which will allow you to keep moving forward while learning and growing.
Imposter syndrome is normal
Having a curvy career is all very well, but how do you make that move into a sector or an industry in which you have no experience? Beth is a firm believer in the power of informational interviews—finding people who are working in the area you’re interested in and asking them questions about their job. This also helps you to identify any gaps in your skills and knowledge, and determine what makes you marketable.
You won’t always have 100% of the skills you need for a job, but identifying what you need to learn can become a strength, as this will motivate you.
Often we assume our skills are very “niche,” because we don’t yet know all the ways in which we can apply them—Beth quoted the example of an aspiring comedian who made a career move into teaching!
Stitching your story together
A common concern is that potential employers will view a “curvy” career negatively. While this may be true for more traditional companies, this attitude is changing, especially in the light of the global pandemic. It’s important to emphasize how your skills and experience make you a strong candidate, and how your previous roles have led you to where you are now.
In today’s constantly changing world, transformational leaders who understand both technology and people are more in demand than ever.
The Leadership & Talent Development programs at IE Business School prepare future leaders to help others reach their full potential. Explore the Master in Talent Development and Human Research, plus our other dynamic programs, today.
The day you think you have it figured out is the day you start falling behind.
